Sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), an endangered species, inhabits the northwestern United States where it selectively browses on polyphenol-rich sagebrush. For example, sage grouse browses preferentially on Artemisia nova and avoids Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis. Polyphenols are aromatic compounds produced in sagebrush which influence detoxification pathways and cellular signaling in herbivores. We hypothesize that certain polyphenolic compounds deter sage grouse, which accounts for their dietary preferences for Artemisia nova over A. t. wyomingensis. We found that the total polyphenolic content of A. t. wyomingensis was higher than A. nova. Using reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the same number of individual polyphenols was found in both species. However, 12/36 polyphenols were found at higher levels in A. t. wyomingensis, which may account for sage grouse avoidance. By better understanding sage grouse dietary preferences, it may be possible to preserve plants that are of the highest dietary quality. Additionally, bioactive polyphenols may be used in the development of new medications or therapies.

The role of polyphenols of Artemisia nova and Artemisia wyomingensis in sage grouse dietary preferences